New Clearinghouse for Ag Solar
By next summer, you should see a clearinghouse for developing solar energy on agricultural land. The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) will develop an online information clearinghouse that connects farmers and landowners with researchers, technology companies and solar developers.
While some worry that utility-scale solar installations could take land out of food production, NCAT is pushing for a different scenario. Stacie Peterson, director of NCAT’s energy programs, says, “Under traditional solar development, these lands could be taken over for energy-only production and this could lead to negative impacts on food production. However, there is tremendous opportunity for low-impact solar development that is complementary with sustainable agriculture, increasing pollinator habitat, improving soil health, and promoting native species, all while diversifying revenue streams for both agricultural and solar operations.”
With their network of partners, the Agricultural-Solar Clearinghouse hopes to promote the co-location of solar and agriculture throughout the U.S. This includes showcasing and developing affordable solar-energy solutions, providing databases of resources, best practices and policy information.
Containers Get Biobased Label
The HC Companies just announced it has received the USDA’s label for Certified Biobased Products for several of its horticulture containers. The Eco Grow and FiberGrow sustainable growing containers and fiber protective packaging solutions all got the seal of approval. (Biobased means they’re made from plants and other renewable agricultural, marine and forestry materials.)
A business with a biobased product that meets USDA criteria may apply for certification, allowing them to display the USDA Certified Biobased Product label on the product. This label assures a consumer that the product contains a verified amount of renewable biological ingredients (referred to as biobased content). Manufacturer's claims are third-party certified and strictly monitored by USDA.
Eric Gunderson, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for The HC Companies, said in a press release, “We are honored that our fiber-based solutions meet the high standards maintained by the USDA. With this esteemed certification, growers, garden centers, big-box stores and consumers – through quantifiable data – know they are making responsible choices.”
Upper Midwest Collaborates on Organic Varieties
A new collaboration aims to increase organic varieties that thrive in the upper Midwest, particularly sweet peppers and tomatoes. The Organic Seed Alliance, Dr. Julie Dawson at University of Wisconsin-Madison, and SeedLinked are launching The Collaborative Plant Breeding Network Development for Organic Systems in the Upper Midwest. They’ll work with organic farmers, plant breeders, seed companies and organic certifiers to develop, test and release new varieties of sweet peppers and tomatoes adapted to their region.
The project is funded by the Organic Research and Extension Initiative.
How Does Your Soil Sequester?
How much carbon can the soil sequester? It depends on where you are. Which is why scientists have developed a new interactive platform that models soil’s carbon-storing capacity, both in the past and for the future.
The purpose is to help both policymakers and organizations identify key areas and methods for soil restoration. It’s an open resource and available to all. Users can zoom in on a certain region and then sort through a range of land-use scenarios to see how various management practices, including various agricultural methods, impact global carbon emissions, soil health and environmental well-being.
The Soils Revealed project is a collaboration with Cornell University, The Nature Conservancy, Woodwell Climate Research Center and the International Soil Reference and Information Center. You can read more about it
HERE, and take it for a test drive
HERE.
Biobest Acquires Beneficial Insectary
My colleague Jen Polanz at Inside Grower reported on some big news from the biocontrol world. Here it is:
Biobest created quite the buzz recently with its acquisition of Beneficial Insectary Inc., North America’s largest independent producer of beneficial insects and mites.
Specifically, the acquisition occurred through Biobest Group NV’s American subsidiary Biobest USA and puts the company in a good position to strengthen its commercial presence along the West Coast, as well as position it as a biocontrol leader in the U.S., according to Jean-Marc Vandoome, CEO of Biobest Group NV.
“This is a significant step for us. The transaction fits perfectly well within our strategy to be the most reliable global supplier to growers in high-value crops for their biocontrol and pollination needs,” he said in the announcement. “Together with Beneficial Insectary we will occupy a leading position in the North American market for biocontrol, a market which is forecasted to deliver record growth figures in the years to come.”
The companies will keep their individual identities, operate autonomously and continue to supply their respective customer bases, according to the announcement.
“Focus will be on realizing operational synergies in order to secure reliable supply of locally produced beneficials,” Jean-Marc adds.
Beneficial Insectary owner Sinthya Penn says this about the acquisition: “After decades of serving the bio-control industry, it is the right time for me to transfer ownership. I am extremely grateful to Biobest because they made a strong commitment to continuity and further growth in Redding, and our values are well aligned. I have full confidence in a smooth transition.”
You can
CLICK HERE to read the full details and comments from both businesses.
Until next time,
Jennifer Duffield White
jwhite@ballpublishing.com
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